Bahrain’s Art Centre is hosting an international exhibition showcasing art as a platform for climate awareness.

A major international art project, MAMA – Mother Nature, has made its way to Bahrain, featuring 106 artworks by 55 artists from 29 countries. The exhibition, which debuted at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku during the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) in November last year, promotes environmental awareness through art.

The project is organised by the RAK Art Foundation and the Heydar Aliyev Center, in collaboration with the International Dialogue for Environmental Action (IDEA) and Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities. Featured artists include Shaikh Rashid Al Khalifa and Leyla Aliyeva, whose works address today’s global environmental challenges.

The exhibition showcases three paintings by Shaikh Rashid from the Crossing the Nile series. These works symbolise life and death through the banks of the river Nile, reflecting the sun’s daily journey. They explore nature, mythology and spirituality, commenting on humanity’s relationship with the environment.

Another highlight is Leyla Aliyeva’s multimedia installation, The Magic Grail of Life, which, with 45 paintings, examines water’s transformative nature – its ability to nurture or destroy and its essential role in sustaining life.

“Art transcends boundaries and sparks vital conversations on global issues like climate change,” said Shaikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Founder of the RAK Art Foundation.

“Hosting MAMA in Bahrain supports our goal of fostering cultural exchange and dialogue on sustainability. Following last year’s successful Bahraini exhibition at QGallery in Baku, we are excited to continue our commitment to international artistic collaboration.”

He emphasised the project’s importance in boosting Bahrain’s cultural standing and added: “Bringing international events like MAMA to Bahrain enriches our artistic scene, encourages global dialogue and motivates our community to act on sustainability.”

Highlighting the project’s relevance, Curator Emin Mammadov said: “The need for sustainable solutions is urgent. As we confront climate change, art can inspire awareness and action. This art project calls to protect our planet and its natural resources for future generations.”

The MAMA Mother Nature Art Project is open to the public and runs until March 25 at the Art Centre, daily from 9am to 8pm. ✤

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